AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with c. €162 billion of assets under management, has agreed a new lease at 22 Bishopsgate, its flagship London development, having let the entire 25,376 sq ft 42nd floor to Fidelis, a leading specialty, bespoke and (re)insurance business. The letting follows a material uplift in occupier enquiries since lockdown restrictions began to ease in March, as well as increasing demand from businesses post COVID for prime amenity-rich and technology-led office space with strong wellbeing and sustainability credentials. The lease is the first to be agreed following completion of the main construction programme at 22 Bishopsgate in December 2020, with further space under offer.
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Fidelis, has taken a 10-year lease with additional flexibility, commencing in September 2021 and is targeting a move-in date of April 2022. Fidelis will join a diversified range of businesses representing the technology, sustainable energy, financial, asset management, legal and professional services sectors. 60% of the building is now let and committed with 14 occupiers; eight having already completed their office fit outs and beginning to welcome staff to their new homes as restrictions are lifted. A further six companies across 10 floors are preparing space for occupancy as the year progresses.
Key to Fidelis’ decision to choose 22 Bishopsgate was the building’s focus on sustainability and wellbeing, including a dog friendly policy, as well as the broad range of amenities it offers. 22 Bishopsgate has over 120,000 sq ft of space dedicated to common facilities including a 20,000 sq ft food hub called ‘The Market’ on the second floor, run in partnership with leading hospitality group, Rhubarb, which is now open to occupiers and soon the public. 22 Bishopsgate will also feature an innovation hub – ‘The Exchange’; a gym with London’s first ‘sky-wall’ climbing window at 125 metres above ground on the 25th floor; a wellbeing space on the 41st floor known as The Retreat; auditoria and business events space and services.
22 Bishopsgate also offers an active commuter park with storage for up to c.1,700 bikes including repair facilities, electric charging points and changing facilities, as well as the capital’s highest free public viewing gallery, and restaurant and bar with art interventions throughout.
Phillip Shalless, Senior Asset Manager at AXA IM Alts, said: “As we have begun to emerge from the pandemic we have seen a significant increase in interest in 22 Bishopsgate driven by a more acute focus from occupiers on ensuring that they have the best quality and most sustainable space for their people. From the outset we have aimed to deliver a differentiated and customer service-led product which is geared towards making the office lives of residents more productive and more enjoyable. It was this focus and the attention to small details and especially our dog friendly policy that made the difference for Fidelis and we look forward to welcoming them to our growing community.”
22 Bishopsgate has been developed by AXA IM Alts’ market leading Real Assets platform, the leading(2) real estate portfolio and asset manager in Europe, on behalf of an international consortium of investors, alongside development partner Lipton Rogers Developments.
JLL and CBRE acted for 22 Bishopsgate while Savills advised Fidelis.
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